New Hampshire Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024

New Hampshire hunting seasons offer standard game animals, including turkey, deer, pheasant and small game. But, what you might not expect from the small state are two larger game options: moose and black bear.

New Hampshire features more than 200,000 acres of state land and more than 750,000 acres of the White Mountain National forest, much of which is accessible to hunters. Unlike many states, the Granite State offers Sunday hunting.

Hunting licenses are available for state residents and nonresidents. Licenses can be purchased by mail, from a license agent or online.

New Hampshire Deer Seasons

ArcherySept. 15-Dec. 15**
MuzzleloaderOct. 28-Nov. 7**
FirearmsNov. 8-Dec. 3**
Youth WeekendOct. 21-22

**New Hampshire deer hunting seasons may close early in some areas of the state. For more information about hunting in New Hampshire’s wildlife management units (WMUs) or dates precise to your part of the state, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game website.

Deer permits are required, only one deer may be harvested per permit. Antlered and antlerless may be harvested within the same season dates, but regions may have differing regulations. For additional information, be sure to visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website.


New Hampshire Black Bear Seasons

General SeasonSept. 1-Nov. 7**

**New Hampshire has varying season dates by region. For more information on regional hunting dates, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website. New Hampshire prohibits the use of chocolate as bear bait, as chocolate could be potential toxic to bears if eaten in large quantities.

New Hampshire Moose Seasons

General SeasonOct. 21-29

*Moose harvest is regulated by lottery-style permits, and while state moose populations have grown, being selected for a hunt is rare. For more information about how to apply for a moose hunt license, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game website.

New Hampshire Wild Turkey Seasons

Fall ArcherySept. 15-Dec. 15
Fall FirearmsOct. 16-22
Spring General SeasonMay 1-31
Spring Youth SeasonApril 27-28

**Season dates vary by zone. Wild turkey permits in New Hampshire are for both the spring and fall turkey hunting seasons, meaning one permit gives you a year’s worth of turkey hunting access in the Granite State.

New Hampshire Small Game Seasons

Cottontail RabbitOct. 1-Jan. 31
Falconry: Oct. 1-March 15
Gray SquirrelSept. 1-Jan. 31
Ruffed Grouse, Quail, Chukar, Hungarian PartridgeOct. 1-Dec. 31
PheasantOct. 1-Dec. 31
Snowshoe HareOct. 1-March 31
WoodcockOct. 1-Nov. 14

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for New Hampshire hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website.